Travel Vocabulary in Spanish
A collection of Spanish vocabulary related to travel, helpful for English-speaking students who are learning Spanish.
irse de fin de semana
leave the weekend
'Irse de fin de semana' is a Spanish phrase that does not directly translate to 'leave the weekend' in English. Instead, it is more accurately translated as 'to go away for the weekend'. It implies leaving one's usual place of residence to spend the weekend elsewhere, often for relaxation, vacation or leisure purposes.
Example sentences with irse de fin de semana →irse de puente
leave the bridge
'Irse de puente' is a Spanish phrase which does not translate directly to 'leave the bridge'. Instead, it refers to taking a long weekend or a mini-vacation, especially when a holiday falls near the weekend. This phrase is commonly used in Spain and some parts of Latin America. It's derived from the literal meaning of 'puente' which is 'bridge'. In this context, however, 'puente' means bridging the gap between a public holiday and a weekend, in order to create a longer period of rest.
Example sentences with irse de puente →itinerario
itinerary
'Itinerario' is a Spanish term, which means 'itinerary' in English, referring to a planned route or journey.
Example sentences with itinerario →jugar a las palas
play paddles
The Spanish term 'jugar a las palas' translates to 'play paddles' in English. This phrase is commonly used to describe a recreational activity involving the use of paddles or racquets to hit a ball back and forth. The game is typically played on a beach and is enjoyed by both children and adults. Its simplicity, combined with the physical exercise it offers, makes it a popular choice for an outdoor pastime or an informal sport among friends.
Example sentences with jugar a las palas →jugar al voleibol
play volleyball
The Spanish phrase 'jugar al voleibol' translates in English to 'play volleyball'. This is a common phrase used to refer to engaging in a game or match of volleyball, a popular sport in many countries. The word 'jugar' means 'to play' and 'voleibol' represents the name of the sport itself - volleyball. Hence, 'jugar al voleibol' implies participating in a volleyball game.
jugar en la arena
play in the sand
The phrase 'jugar en la arena' in Spanish translates to 'play in the sand' in English. This is a common phrase that you might hear at a beach or a playground, where you might find sand to play in. It's often associated with the childhood activities such as building sandcastles or digging holes. In general, 'jugar' means 'to play', 'en' means 'in', and 'la arena' means 'the sand'. So, breaking it down this way can also help someone understand individual words and their meaning.
Example sentences with jugar en la arena →justificante
justifiable
The Spanish word 'justificante' is a noun that translates to 'justifiable' in English. The term is often used in legal or formal contexts to refer to an action or decision that is acceptable according to the law or moral rules. It can also imply a reason, evidence, or proof that justifies such an action or decision. For instance, a 'justificante' might be a document that provides proof for a certain action or decision, legitimizing it and making it 'justifiable'.
Example sentences with justificante →ladera abrupta
steep slope
In Spanish, 'ladera abrupta' directly translates to 'steep slope' in English. This term is frequently used to describe geographical features, specifically to denote an area of land which has a noticeable and often sharp incline. It can be applied to various natural or man-made landscapes including hillsides, mountains, or even roads.
Example sentences with ladera abrupta →ladera escarpada
the steep hillside
The Spanish phrase 'ladera escarpada' translates to 'steep hillside' in English. It encompasses two concepts: 'ladera', which means side or slope of a mountain or hill, and 'escarpada', which means sharp, steep or precipitous. Combined, 'ladera escarpada' vividly describes a hill or mountain slope that is dramatically and sharply inclined, making it more challenging to traverse. This phrase can be used in geographical contexts or to metaphorically describe uphill challenges.
Example sentences with ladera escarpada →ladera rocosa
rocky hillside
The Spanish term 'ladera rocosa' translates to 'rocky hillside' in English. It is made up of two words - 'ladera' means 'hillside' and 'rocosa' means 'rocky'. This term is frequently used to describe geographic features where the side of a hill or mountain has a lot of rocks. It's a more specific term representing a particular type of natural terrain.
Example sentences with ladera rocosa →maleta
suitcase
The term 'maleta' means 'suitcase' in English. People use it when they need a storage medium to carry their clothes and other belongings while traveling.
Example sentences with maleta →mapa
map
The Spanish word 'mapa' translates to 'map' in English. It is a noun that refers to a representation, usually on a flat surface, of the whole or a part of an area. It can show geographical features, roads, cities, etc. It is often used for navigation or for referencing particular places or regions. So, when you say 'mapa' in Spanish, you are referring to a similar concept of a visual depiction of an area.
mapa de carreteras
road map
The Spanish term 'mapa de carreteras' translates to 'road map' in English. A road map is a detailed graphical representation, typically used by drivers and travellers, offering routing and geographical information about roads, streets, and sometimes tourist or other essential details of a specific region or area. Understanding road maps is a crucial skill for navigation, whether on a local, national, or international trip.
Example sentences with mapa de carreteras →marcharse de fin de semana
leave at weekend
The Spanish phrase 'marcharse de fin de semana' translates to 'leave at weekend' in English. It can be used to describe a situation where someone is planning to leave or depart for the weekend. It can typically be used in scenarios like planning weekend vacations or short trips. In some contexts, it could also imply taking off from work or other regular responsibilities for the weekend.
Example sentences with marcharse de fin de semana →media pensión
half board
The Spanish term 'media pensión' translates to 'half board' in English. In travel and tourism context, half board means that your accommodation comes with two meals usually breakfast and either lunch or dinner. This is a common option in hotels and other forms of accommodation, particularly in Europe. For those who want some meals included but also want to explore the local cuisine outside of their guesthouse, this is an ideal option.
Example sentences with media pensión →mirar un mapa
look at a map
The Spanish phrase 'mirar un mapa' translates to 'look at a map' in English. It is a common phrase used in travel or navigation situations suggesting someone to view or consult a map for direction. The verb 'mirar' means 'to look', 'un' is an indefinite article equating to 'a' and 'mapa' means 'map'. Thus when you hear or see the phrase 'mirar un mapa', you are being advised to look at a map.
Example sentences with mirar un mapa →mirar un plano
look at a plane
The Spanish phrase 'mirar un plano' translates to 'look at a map' in English. Note that in this context, 'plano' is used to denote a flat depiction or arrangement, i.e., a map. The very same verb 'mirar' is utilized to signify 'to look'. Thus, the phrase 'mirar un plano' is commonly used when one wants to instruct another to look at a map for navigation or understanding.
Example sentences with mirar un plano →mochila
backpack
The Spanish word 'mochila' translates to 'backpack' in English. It is a common term used to refer to a pack that one carries on their back, typically made of canvas, nylon, or leather, and used for carrying things such as books, clothes, or other items. This word is most frequently used in a school or traveling context. The plural form of 'mochila' is 'mochilas'.
Example sentences with mochila →montañero
mountaineering
The Spanish word 'montañero' translates to 'mountaineer' in English. A 'montañero' is a person who practices or is interested in mountaineering, which refers to the sport, hobby or profession of walking, hiking and climbing up mountains. It is often associated with outdoor activities and exploration in high mountainous areas.
Example sentences with montañero →montar un viaje
ride a trip
The Spanish phrase 'montar un viaje' translates to 'ride a trip' in English. The verb 'montar' normally refers to the action of riding, as in riding a bike or horse, and 'un viaje' means a trip. Therefore, the phrase can be used metaphorically to mean the process of planning and going on a trip. It implicates not just the journey, but all the planting and experience of the travels. However, it's not commonly used in the Spanish language.
Example sentences with montar un viaje →mover
move
In Spanish, 'mover' is used just like the English 'move'. It can be used to express physical movement or the process of changing the position or location of something or someone. It is often used in the context of 'moverse', a reflexive form, which would be translated as 'to move oneself'.
Example sentences with mover →oficina de información y turismo
Information and tourism office
The Spanish term 'oficina de información y turismo' translates to 'information and tourism office' in English. Essentially, these offices are specialized establishments that provide visitors and tourists with useful details about local attractions, activities, accommodations, and other tourist-related aspects. They play a significant role in boosting local tourism by offering valuable insights and facilitating better travel experiences for tourists.
Example sentences with oficina de información y turismo →oficina de turismo
tourist office
The Spanish term 'oficina de turismo' translates to 'tourist office' in English. The 'oficina de turismo' is the place where tourists can get information about a destination, including recommendations on places to visit, eat, sleep and enjoy. The objective of a 'oficina de turismo' is to facilitate the experience of visitors, providing them with maps, guidance and all the necessary tools to make the most of their stay. The services provided in this office are generally free of charge and aimed to enhance the touristic potential of the area.
organizar un viaje
organize a trip
The phrase 'organizar un viaje' in Spanish translates to 'organize a trip' in English. This phrase is often used when someone is planning or arranging the details of a journey or trip. This typically includes elements such as selecting a destination, preparing an itinerary, booking accommodations, and coordinating transportation. It can be applied to a wide range of contexts, but it is especially used when discussing travel plans.
Example sentences with organizar un viaje →orientarse
orient
The Spanish word 'orientarse' can be translated into English as 'orient'. It is a reflexive verb that indicates the action of finding one's direction or position, or adapting to a new situation or environment. In context, it can be used in different phrases, such as 'orientarse en la ciudad' (orient oneself in the city) or 'fui capaz de orientarme en la nueva escuela' (I was able to orient myself in the new school).
Example sentences with orientarse →pagar en efectivo
pay in cash
The Spanish term 'pagar en efectivo' translates to 'pay in cash' in English. This expression is used in situations where a payment is required, particularly in contexts such as shops, markets or restaurants. When you 'pagar en efectivo', you make a monetary transaction using physical currency, such as coins and notes, as opposed to digital or card payments. This phrase is very common in Spanish-speaking countries, and knowing it can be particularly useful for travelers.
Example sentences with pagar en efectivo →pala
shovel
The Spanish word 'pala' translates to 'shovel' in English. It is often used to refer to a tool with a broad blade and typically upturned sides, used for moving coal, earth, snow or other material. It's a common tool used in construction, gardening, and other labor-intensive fields. Keep in mind that the pronunciation and usage could be different depending on the Spanish-speaking region you're conversing in.
Example sentences with pala →parada de autobús
bus stop
The Spanish term 'parada de autobús' translates to 'bus stop' in English. A bus stop is a designated place where buses stop for passengers to board or alight from a bus. These are usually positioned on the city streets, alongside the sidewalk or road. In Spain or any Spanish-speaking countries, if you're looking to use public transportation, especially buses, look for a 'parada de autobús'.
Example sentences with parada de autobús →parada de metro
metro stop
The Spanish term 'parada de metro' translates directly into English as 'metro stop'. It refers to a designated place along a metro or subway line where the train will stop to allow passengers to board or disembark. These stops are often marked by a station or platform, and are critical points in urban public transportation systems. In everyday conversation, one might use this term to describe their commuting route or to give directions within a city.
Example sentences with parada de metro →parada de taxi
taxi stop
The Spanish phrase 'parada de taxi' translates to 'taxi stop' in English. It is used to designate a specific location where taxis wait for passengers or where passengers can wait to hail a taxi. Similar to a bus stop, a taxi stop is a designated area usually signposted and reserved for this purpose.
Example sentences with parada de taxi →